What to Consider When Renting a 3-Bedroom Apartment in Athens
Moving out of the OU dorms is a great decision if you’re someone who values having your own space and independence. But, living off-campus does come with another set of challenges, especially if you’re looking to live with roommates.
Aside from finding the right place, choosing a roommate isn’t something you should take lightly. Before you decide to live with someone, ask your potential housemate this list of 10 questions to weed out any problems early on.
Whether you’re planning to live with your friends or find roommates to fill up a 3 or 4-bedroom home, here are a few things to consider while you hunt for the perfect multiple bedroom apartment or house:
1. Go for equal-sized bedrooms for your 3-bedroom rental
With roommates, you’ll need to figure out how to split the rent. Sharing the rent equally is only fair when everyone gets a similarly sized room. If you’re unable to find a place with equally-sized bedrooms, it’s not the end of the world. Perhaps you could work out an agreement where each person pays their portion of the rent according to the size of their room.
When you tour houses or apartments, check if the bedrooms are:
- Similarly Sized
- Have windows that let in natural light
- Offer privacy and enough space for each person
- Include closets or space for wardrobes
Aside from all that, choosing between a 3-bedroom house or apartment depends entirely on who you’re planning to live with and your lifestyle. Houses are better for families or roommates who love hosting events.
2. Make sure your home has a functional living space layout
A great 3-bedroom apartment should have a living space that makes sense for a group of people to live in. As you tour possible rentals, check if the bedrooms are spread out for privacy. It’s also a huge plus if the shared bathroom is accessible from all rooms.
Having enough space for a common area that can accommodate hangouts, studying, and hosting is a must-have. Avoid cramped floor plans and layouts that can turn shared living into a hassle or even a nightmare.
3. Avoid long commutes to campus with an apartment that’s within walking distance
When looking for off-campus housing, the most important factor is definitely going to be location. In a college town like Athens, being close to OU campus will save a lot of time and energy. Even if you’ve found the perfect place that’s an hour away from campus, you’ll need to sacrifice a lot of time commuting to and from your classes, which might not be worth it in the long run.
Try to look for places that are within walking or biking distance to OU, near bus routes, and close to groceries, coffee shops, and other essentials.
4. Ask if amenities and utilities are included in the monthly rent
Depending on your lease, utilities may or may not be included. Some landlords add utilities like water, trash, and internet into the monthly rent, while some don’t include those. When you search for a 3-bedroom apartment in Athens, you should ask about what utilities are included in the rent.
Knowing whether Wi-Fi, electricity, and even laundry is included can help you and your roommates save money and get clear on how to split the costs.
5. Try to ask about maintenance and safety
A great student rental isn’t just about location and space. You know you’ve found the right place to live in when you can trust that any maintenance issues will be solved quickly. Signing a lease with a reliable landlord can make your off-campus living experience a breeze. Before you decide on a place, ask about the following:
- How are maintenance requests handled?
- Who to contact in case of any repairs?
- What is the safety level of the neighborhood?
6. Find a place with affordable rent that’s within your budget
Living alone may save you the hassle of having to find roommates. But, a 3-bedroom rental can be a great, cost-effective option. Aside from rent, you’ll also be able to share utilities, internet, and streaming service costs, renters’ insurance, and security deposit fees.
If you’re also someone who likes having people around, then living with roommates might be better for you. This just requires clear communication on budgets and priorities.
Enjoy your Athens Experience with the Right 3-Bedroom Student Apartment
Finding the perfect 3-bedroom apartment or home near OU campus can be the start of a new journey. Your search for the right place comes down to space, location, comfort and clear communication with your roommates. With a bit of planning and timing, you and your roommates can enjoy a smooth, affordable living experience.
At Kleinpenny Rentals, we offer budget-friendly, well-maintained 3-bedroom student rentals that are within walking distance of campus. Most of these apartments include utilities like water, sewage, and garbage. Check out our property list and find the right student rental for you.